Berkeley - Building Emissions Saving Ordinance (BESO)
Ensure full compliance with Berkeley’s BESO (Chapter 19.81) through Inland Empire Energy’s expert services. We provide energy assessments, benchmarking, reporting, and strategic guidance to meet the City’s requirements for residential and commercial buildings. Get started today.
What Is the Berkeley Building Emissions Saving Ordinance (BESO)?
Berkeley’s Building Emissions Saving Ordinance (BESO) mandates:
Energy and Electrification Assessments for buildings at time of sale or on a recurring schedule.
Annual benchmarking for large buildings using ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager.
Public disclosure of building performance data.
The ordinance aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve building efficiency, and inform buyers, tenants, and owners about energy performance and upgrade opportunities.
Who Must Comply?
BESO applies to all buildings within Berkeley city limits that are served by heating or cooling systems. Requirements vary by building size:
1–4 unit homes: Assessment required at time of listing.
850–14,999 sq ft buildings: Assessment required at time of listing.
15,000–24,999 sq ft buildings: Assessment at time of listing and annual benchmarking.
≥25,000 sq ft buildings: Assessment every 5 years and annual benchmarking.
Exemptions apply to buildings under 850 sq ft, certain industrial uses, and historic structures. Campuses with shared meters follow special rules.
What’s Required?
Energy Assessment
Conducted by a Registered Energy Assessor (REA).
Includes asset rating, performance score, and electrification opportunities.
Valid for 5 years; must be completed within 24 months of due date.
Annual Benchmarking
Required for buildings ≥15,000 sq ft.
Submitted via ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager.
Includes whole-building energy and water use.
Compliance Documentation
City-issued forms include:
Certificate of Compliance – Form A
Deferral to Buyer – Form C
Other Deferral – Form D
Other Exemption – Form E
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply may result in administrative penalties and citations.
Each day of non-compliance is considered a separate violation.
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How We Help
Energy Assessments
ASHRAE Level 2 audits and electrification evaluations.
Water audits for potable, irrigation, and reuse systems.
Compliance-ready documentation and reporting.
Benchmarking & Reporting
ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager setup and submission.
Annual benchmarking reports with verified data.
Recordkeeping for future inspections.
Strategic Upgrade Support
Smart thermostats, ENERGY STAR® appliances, water-efficient landscaping.
Electrification planning and utility rebate navigation.
Exemption & Deferral Support
Guidance on exemptions for historic buildings, campuses, and financial hardship.
Preparation and submission of all required forms.
Why Choose Inland Empire Energy
Deep Expertise in Berkeley’s BESO Ordinance
We specialize in compliance with Berkeley’s Building Emissions Saving Ordinance (BESO), Chapter 19.81, with a thorough understanding of the City’s benchmarking, energy assessment, electrification evaluation, and reporting requirements. Our team stays current with administrative regulations, compliance deadlines, and exemption criteria—so you don’t have to.
Led by a California-Licensed Professional Engineer
Our firm is owned and operated by a California-licensed Professional Engineer (PE) with extensive experience in building systems, energy auditing, and water efficiency. You get direct access to a qualified expert—not a sales rep—ensuring technical accuracy, defensible documentation, and accountability throughout the compliance process.
Full-Service Compliance Management
We manage every aspect of BESO compliance, including:
ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager setup and annual benchmarking
BESO-compliant energy and electrification assessments
ASHRAE Level 2 audits and water audits
Electrification readiness evaluations
Documentation, reporting, and recordkeeping
Exemption and deferral evaluation and support
We track your deadlines and maintain your records for five years, as required by the ordinance.
Data-Driven, Cost-Conscious Solutions
Our recommendations are based on actual building performance data, not generic templates. We provide:
Verified diagnostics of energy and water use
Electrification feasibility and cost-benefit analysis
Payback and net present value (NPV) calculations
Strategic upgrade planning aligned with BESO pathways
We help you prioritize measures with the strongest ROI and avoid unnecessary spending.
Strategic Exemption & Deferral Support
We help you identify and pursue exemptions or deferrals for:
Historic buildings
Financial hardship
Campus-style buildings with shared systems
Recent construction or major renovations
Time-of-sale deferrals (Forms C, D, and E)
We prepare and submit all supporting documentation to the City on your behalf.
Transparent, Client-Centered Service
We believe in clear communication, no hidden fees, and no upselling. Our goal is to keep your building compliant, efficient, and ahead of regulatory changes—with honest guidance and responsive support. Whether you manage a single property or a portfolio, we tailor our services to your needs.
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
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Buildings under 850 square feet, industrial facilities, and historic buildings listed on the National Register or designated as local landmarks may be exempt. Additionally, campus-style properties with shared systems may qualify for special treatment. Exemptions must be documented using Form E and approved by the City.
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Energy assessments are required:
At time of listing for sale for buildings between 850–24,999 sq ft.
Every 5 years for buildings 25,000 sq ft or larger.
Assessments must be conducted by a Registered Energy Assessor (REA) and are valid for 5 years.
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A BESO-compliant assessment includes:
An asset rating of the building’s energy systems.
A performance score based on actual energy use.
Identification of electrification opportunities (e.g., replacing gas appliances).
Recommendations for energy efficiency improvements.
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Annual benchmarking is required for:
Buildings 15,000 sq ft or larger.
Benchmarking must be submitted using ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager.
Reports must include whole-building energy and water use and are due annually by July 1.
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Non-compliance may result in:
Administrative penalties and daily citations.
Delays in property transactions if assessments are not completed at time of listing.
Public disclosure of non-compliant status on the City’s website.
Need More Help?
Ready to Get Compliant?
Fill out the form below and our team will reach out within 1 business day to help you meet your BESO compliance requirements—fast, accurate, and stress-free.
Prefer to connect directly?
Call us at 909-906-0840
Email us at team@inlandempireenergy.com